Limited Release: Hazel Highway & Retro Collections

Part 3 of our interview series

Inspired by making discoveries and finding new paths, photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis sought out portrait subjects who carved their own space in their fields.

She captured nine subjects in their studios, classrooms and warehouses to photograph them in their element. Below, we’ve showcased three of these men, each modeling the Hazel Highway and the Retro collections.

On her inspiration behind the project, Shaniqwa said, “Each of the nine subjects have taken non-traditional routes to get to where they are today. In my opinion, that takes a lot of ambition, style, patience, and dedication. I photographed them at work, in their own offices and the results are these intimate and thought-provoking images that shed light on daily routine.”

Below, the portraits reveal the self-expression, individual style, modern workplaces and the visionary men who occupy them.

If careers are made by blazing trails, how did you get to where you are today?

I was born in Australia. I spent some time in London on a work placement with Alexander McQueen, time in Paris working at Dior, time in London again starting my own line and then came to NYC with my brothers. It’s been a fun journey and I can’t wait for more to come.

If careers are made by blazing trails, how did you get to where you are today?

I was never the smooth-talking dude getting the girls. My only chance was to make them laugh. So that’s the route I took. As I got older, I realized I wanted to be more than just the court jester so I started reading a lot and ended up getting an M.A. in Philosophy. I teach at the collegiate level where I integrate comedy into the classroom. Inversely, when I’m on stage, I integrate philosophy into my comedy.

Do you work to live, live to work or a combination of the two?

They are both the same to me because I consider what I do for work to be living – I love it.

What about your work brings you the most pleasure?

Learning about me.

What about your work brings you the most pain?

Being honest about what I discover about me.

What’s inspiring you right now?

I’m inspired to finish these questions because when I do, I’m gonna eat a green apple with Speculoos spread made from caramelized gingerbread cookies. #dabomb

What music are you currently listening to to get into work mode?

James Brown, Sigur Ros, Outkast, Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

What one item of clothing represents your personal style?

My underwear. Style is mostly about attitude. If they don’t fit right, it makes for a terrible day, which begets a bad attitude.